27/04/2007
Workers are being advised against working with chemicals and unfamiliar substances, unless a full assessment of the risks has been undertaken and safe working practices are in place.

This warning comes on the eve of the 27 April launch of a global “zero cancer” campaign aimed at tackling occupational cancer - the number one workplace killer.
 
Occupational cancer is the most common work-related cause of death, ahead of other work-related diseases and accidents and is estimated to cause 600,000 deaths a year – one death every 52 seconds – making up almost one-third of all work-related deaths.
 
A coalition of 11 global unions together representing over 300 million members in more than 150 countries has produced a new cancer prevention guide as part of the campaign.

Occupational Cancer/Zero Cancer: a union guide to prevention, available at www.imfmetal.org/cancer, provides information about workplace cancer risks and advice on practical steps workers and unions can take to make workplaces safer.

The launch will take place at 12:00 noon, 27 April 2007 at the World Health Organisation HQ in Geneva. It will feature contributions from global union federations the International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF) and the Building and Woodworkers International (BWI).

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